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Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

11 Days | Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Great White Continent

4.8

Excellent

108 reviews

11 days

Start

Ushuaia, Argentina

Finish

Ushuaia, Argentina

Trip Code

GQMDE

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - null

Physical Rating

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Accommodation

1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship

From £9,460(11 days)

Trip Informations

Enter a spellbinding world of snow and ice as you voyage to Antarctica, a continent that has long captivated explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable, spacious and well-appointed Ocean Endeavour on an 11-day voyage, discovering unbelievable wildlife and the world’s most remarkable scenery. As you explore this icy wilderness, you’ll not only be accompanied by an expert expedition team, but also by penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-choked waters. Adventures like this don’t come along every day – there’s simply nowhere else on earth like Antarctica.

Why you’ll love this trip

Explore an unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds in their abundance are the true rulers.

Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.

Seal and whale sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed, ensuring extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.

Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.

Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.

Is this trip right for you?

The Ocean Endeavour is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.  

Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack. 

Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to. 

The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears. 

Itinerary

DAY 1
Day 1 • Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. You will be briefed at your hotel this evening on the journey that lies ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you happen to arrive early there are many ways to entertain yourself at ‘the End of the World’. Check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on the region’s history or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin if you're after any last-minute essentials before departing for Antarctica. Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant and sample some of Argentina's famous red wine.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Embarkation in Ushuaia
This afternoon you will board the Ocean Endeavour and your epic adventure south begins. Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and as the Ocean Endeavour pulls away from the port, there’s always an air of anticipation. Wave goodbye to Argentina and know that the next time you see land, you will be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Welcome Briefing
DAY 3
Day 3-4 • At Sea, Drake Passage
The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. It is unpredictable, so be prepared! The next two days at sea offer time to enjoy the fabulous onboard facilities. Maybe join a yoga class, or attend a presentation or two given by your expedition team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
Included activities
Citizen Science Program
Daily Briefings and Recap
Onboard Lecture Program
Optional activities
Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from - USD95
Photography Program - USD1099
Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
Special information
Photography, Program, has limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel.
DAY 4
Day 5-8 • South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula
You will spend the next four incredible days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (4 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (4)
Lunch (4)
Dinner (4)
Included activities
Guided walking Excursions
Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
Citizen Science Program
Daily Briefings and Recap
Onboard Lecture Program
Optional activities
Stand Up Paddleboarding - USD299
Kayaking Program - USD1099
Polar Plunge - Free
Day Paddle - USD299
Camping - USD399
Snowshoeing - USD150
Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from - USD95
Photography Program - USD1099
Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
Special information
Optional activities such as Stand-Up Paddle boarding, Kayaking, Day Paddle, Camping and Snowshoeing are very dependent on weather and sea ice conditions. Your experienced expedition team will provide regular updates on which days they are available throughout your voyage.
Kayaking, Photography Program, Day Paddle, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Camping have limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel. Snowshoeing must be booked onboard via your expedition team.
DAY 5
Day 9-10 • At Sea, Drake Passage
Leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind as you set sail across the Drake Passage, enjoying some final lectures and presentations from your expedition team. Look out for wildlife from the observation lounge, outer decks, or the Ocean Endeavour's bridge as you head north across the Antarctic Convergence. Having crossed the Drake Passage once more, enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy a final dinner and approach your home port of Ushuaia.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
Included activities
Onboard Lecture Program
Daily Briefings and Recap
Citizen Science Program
Optional activities
Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
Photography Program - USD1099
Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from - USD95
Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
Special information
Photography, Program, has limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel.
DAY 6
Day 11 • Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour following breakfast. Farewell your fellow guests and your expedition team and join a transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey today. Or perhaps extend your stay to spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world.
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
On the day you disembark in Ushuaia, we recommend scheduling your flights for departure after 12 noon to allow for any potential delays due to weather conditions.
On this day, we've got your transfers covered! Choose between a morning transfer from the port to Ushuaia airport for your onward flight or a morning transfer from the port to Ushuaia downtown. Enjoy complimentary luggage storage for the day. If you plan to head to the airport at a later time or to your Ushuaia accommodation, it's entirely up to you and at your own expense.

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Accommodation

1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship

Activities

Welcome Briefing

Citizen Science Program

Daily Briefings and Recap

Onboard Lecture Program

Guided walking Excursions

Zodiac Excursion/Cruising

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Wednesday Dec 18, 2024

Saturday Dec 28, 2024

Trip size max: - Sold Out

Friday Dec 27, 2024

Monday Jan 06, 2025

Trip size max: - Sold Out

Sunday Jan 26, 2025

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025

Trip size max: - 7 spaces left

£9,460

Important notes

SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS

You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of AUD1500, USD1000, EUR900, NZD1600, GBP800, CAD1300, CHF900 or ZAR17,000 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. Full payment is required 95 days prior to departure.

Please refer to our “Booking and Conditions” section on our website including the special conditions that apply to Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Endeavour)

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

Approaching a looming glacier in a sea kayak, strapping on snowshoes to reach the best icy viewpoints, capturing the perfect photo of a seal hunting its prey or camping under an Antarctic perpetual twilight – these are just some of the ways you can enrich your exploration of the great White Continent with our additional activities. A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on the Ocean Endeavour, on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing.

• Kayaking or Photography Program - Voyage-duration program available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.

• Day Paddle or Stand Up Paddleboarding- One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team

• Camping - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.

• Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Book on board via the Expedition Team.

Reviews (80)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

Steph

Feb 06, 2024

This was a trip of a lifetime! No words truly describe the experience we had, but it was absolutely incredible and Antarctica is so special, it needs to be on your bucket list. The staff were amazing, so engaging with the guests and the whole operation ran so smoothly.

Anne Victoria

Feb 06, 2024

Most definitely this is the trip of a lifetime. A magnificent mind – expanding, sensory delight-full, awareness-raising experience that no picture or review can begin to fully describe. You have to be there to experience being on the water in a kayak, crunching up the Everything is supported and organised brilliantly and efficiently, safely and joyfully by the team. The supporting talks add enormously to the experience and are always entertaining as well as educational. snowy slopes avoiding the penguin highways, taking the polar plunge into the Southern Ocean or just soaking it all in from the observation decks. Everything is supported and organised brilliantly and efficiently, safely and joyfully by the team. The supporting talks add enormously to the experience and are always entertaining as well as educational.

Julia

Feb 06, 2024

My time on the Ocean Endeavor was amazing. Intrepid was professional and helpful from the time I booked until the time I disembarked. My trip to Antarctica has been indescribable and I am sad to leave. The staff was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, interesting and fun. I wish I had more time to get to know them, pick their brains and stay in Antarctica longer. I would highly recommend an Intrepid trip, especially to Antarctica, and in the future I would used Intrepid for other adventures.

Brandon

Feb 06, 2024

100/10 - A life changing experience! A journey I now believe everyone should take in their life!

Craig

Feb 04, 2024

Great trip. Could not recommend it more.

Bindu

Feb 04, 2024

One of our zodiac driver’s equated what we were witnessing all around us to a simple word - sublime. Every event, every experience was sublime.

Madeleine

Feb 04, 2024

I was apprehensive to book this trip because I’m not normally a cruise or tour person and often traveling on a budget. However, I can say it was worth every penny and it’s truly one of those places you have to see in real life to grasp. From being face to face with wildlife to the endless laughs with new friends on board, I’m so grateful for this experience and will always hold these memories close :) I definitely would love to join another cruise with intrepid in the future.

Patricia

Feb 03, 2024

Thiis Intrepid Antarctic adventure was a trip of a lifetime and it certainly did not disappoint. The whole experience was excellent.

Amanda

Feb 03, 2024

I had an absolutely amazing time on the ocean endeavour! We had so many landings and got so close to whales and saw so many penguins and birds. As well as some amazing views and Zodiac cruises through the ice fields. 10/10 recommend this company and tour. They are also very conscious of the wildlife and environment which was also important to me!

Ryoko

Feb 03, 2024

Antarctic is so huge and beautiful than what I imagine. Every view was incredible. I had different memorial time everyday.

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